Special a soul who attains contentment which is the fruit of the seed of speciality.

Well into the New Year January 8 already.. I’ve been reflecting on gratitude followed with prayer, fasting, meditation.
It’s definitely evolved into one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. So of course I want to share some of my experiences on this amazingly insightful journey of meditation.

Let your attention rest on the flow of your breath. Listen to it, follow it, but make no judgments on it. The goal is to allow the thoughts/voices in your mind to gradually fade away to an extremely peaceful state of mind.

Silence your mind. Once you’ve trained your mind to focus on just one thing at a time, the next step is focus on nothing at all, essentially “clearing” your mind. This requires tremendous discipline but it is the pinnacle of meditation. After focusing on a single point as described in the previous step, you can either cast it away, or observe it impartially and let it come and then go, without labeling it as “good” or “bad”. Take the same approach to any thoughts which return to your mind until silence perseveres. Wiki.com

I’ve been so profoundly moved during the silence I’ve only ever attained through meditation, I will continue to share little gifts and my experience and maybe at one point dedicate an entire page, for now it’s a gift of awareness.

There are many methods and techniques for buring resin incense, they depend and vary based on the type of charcoal burner you are using, this is just one of many techniques. Resins will not burn on their own, they require charcoal and a heat resistant burner such as soapstone or metal. For beginners, I recommend starting the process outdoors, or on the stove top under the exhaust fan to control the amount of incense fragrance being released.

1. Fill burner 3/4 full with ash, sand, salt or aquarium rocks to absorb some of the heat, then place burner on a protective surface like a nonflammable, heat resistant coaster. The charcoal and the burner will get very hot, do not place burner directly on counterop, glass or wooden table because the burner may result in damage to your counterop. Do not handle or touch the burner while the charcoal is burning, you will burn your hands.

2. Holding the charcoal with a pair of tongs or tweezers, light one end of charcoal. You will start to see a spark travel across the surface of the tablet. The process of preparring the charcoal and allowing it the burn all the way through can take 5-10 minutes, it is easiest to set the charcoal down on a charcoal burner with a mesh screen top, or into the burner on top of the nonflammable material of your choice, while this process takes place. Once the spark has traversed the entire charcoal and the briquette is glowing hot (you can tell by blowing in it a little) and the surface of the charcoal is covered in a layer of white ash, it’s ready to use.

*If using ash, one method has described to now bury or cover the charcoal under a layer of ash to reduce the heat and then placing the resin on top of the ash rather than directly on the hot charcoal. This will reduce the heat and allow the resin to melt and smolder more slowly to produce a more pure fragrance. I have tried this method and I like it, you can experiment for yourself. It is similar to a Japanese method.

3. Start by adding a very small amount of resin either directly on top of the charcoal or on top of the ash. Adding too much resin incense can put off too much smoke if you are not careful. You can add the small resin tears or powder, or both. I like to use a metal spoon to spoon my resin onto the hot charcoal. Then add more resin as desired, and repeat as necessary. The tablet should burn for about an hour.

4. When finished, allow the charcoal to completely burn out in the burner, and allow it to come to a complete cool before discarding. When in doubt, dowse it with water.

5. Practice makes perfect. Burning resin incense is an art and if at first you don’t get the results you expected keep trying – you’ll get the knack for it. I also suggest watching some videos on YouTube that demonstrate various methods for buring resin incense.

Caution HOT

At no time should you touch the charcoal briquette once lit. It is very hot and it will burn you. If you need to move the charcoal once lit, us tongs, or a metal spoon or fork. Be cautious when touching or moving the soapstone burning during or after such time as the charcoal has been burning on it. Be aware of how hot the bottom of the burner is getting so that it does not damage the surface it is on. If the bottom is hot, you need to add more non-flammable material such as rice, rocks or sand. Or put a barrier between the bottom of the burner and your surface.

FRANKINCENSE TEARS 100% Pure & Natural, Wild Harvested

Scientific Name: Boswellia sacra Origin: Somaliland Form: Resin tears

Frankincense is sometimes known by its older name ‘olibanum’, and it comes from Boswellia sacra plant in Somalia. Its one of the most commonly used resin incenses, and it is burned for purification, spirituality and is associated with the Sun.

Wild Harvested from Egypt. Ethically wild harvested when not certified organic. Processed by a Certified organic processor through Oregon Tilth which is fully accredited with the USDA National Organic Program.

What is Wild Harvested?

Our first choice is always certified organic, and if organic is not available we will choose a wildharvested or “cultivated without chemicals” variety. If wild gathered material is harvested then each gatherer must fill out a “wild take audit” to ensure that indigenous populations have only undergone a 10% take and that they have not been over-picked, or disrespected. All materials from overseas are scrutinized for soil, water, and fertilizer quality and we request that materials are grown in regions or provinces that have a stellar reputation for their cleanliness and environmental purity.

An aromatic gum resin obtained from several trees and shrubs of the genus Commiphora of India, Arabia, and Eastern Africa, used in perfume and as incense.

Wild Harvested from Somaliland. Ethically wild harvested when not certified organic. Processed by a Certified organic processor through Oregon Tilth which is fully accredited with the USDA National Organic Program.

What is Wild Harvested?

Our first choice is always certified organic, and if organic is not available we will choose a wildharvested or “cultivated without chemicals” variety. If wild gathered material is harvested then each gatherer must fill out a “wild take audit” to ensure that indigenous populations have only undergone a 10% take and that they have not been over-picked, or disrespected. All materials from overseas are scrutinized for soil, water, and fertilizer quality and we request that materials are grown in regions or provinces that have a stellar reputation for their cleanliness and environmental purity.

Wild Harvested. Ethically wild harvested when not certified organic. Processed by a Certified organic processor through Oregon Tilth which is fully accredited with the USDA National Organic Program.

What is Wild Harvested?

Our first choice is always certified organic, and if organic is not available we will choose a wildharvested or “cultivated without chemicals” variety. If wild gathered material is harvested then each gatherer must fill out a “wild take audit” to ensure that indigenous populations have only undergone a 10% take and that they have not been over-picked, or disrespected. All materials from overseas are scrutinized for soil, water, and fertilizer quality and we request that materials are grown in regions or provinces that have a stellar reputation for their cleanliness and environmental purity.

Copal has a gentle, soft and warming fragrance. To the ancient Mayans, the Divine god of the earth extracted copal resin from the tree of life and gave it to humans as a gift. Copal is said to be cleansing and aid in mental and spiritual endeavors. It opens the soul and stimulates creativity and imagination.

Wild Harvested from Indonesia. Ethically wild harvested when not certified organic. Processed by a Certified organic processor through Oregon Tilth which is fully accredited with the USDA National Organic Program.

What is Wild Harvested?

Our first choice is always certified organic, and if organic is not available we will choose a wildharvested or “cultivated without chemicals” variety. If wild gathered material is harvested then each gatherer must fill out a “wild take audit” to ensure that indigenous populations have only undergone a 10% take and that they have not been over-picked, or disrespected. All materials from overseas are scrutinized for soil, water, and fertilizer quality and we request that materials are grown in regions or provinces that have a stellar reputation for their cleanliness and environmental purity.

MAYAN COPAL 100% Pure & Natural

Scientific name: Copaifera officinalis Origin: Mexico Form: Resin pieces with powder Other names: Mexican Dark Copal, Brown Copal, Black Mayan Copal, Obsidian Copal Uses: Grounding, attraction, evocation, happiness, celebration Associations: Venus, Earth Aroma: Smooth, warm, earthy and sweet
Copal is sacred to the indigenous cultures of the Central and South Americas. It is burned year round in the churches in Mexico, but is best known for its use in the homes during Day of the Dead. It is said that the familiar scent of Copal helps the souls find their way back during their annual visit home.
The various Copal resins of Mexico and the Americas are closely related to the Copals of Africa and the Damars of India and Indonesia. The American Copals generally have a sweeter aroma.

100% Pure & Natural. No added fragrances or fillers. Wild Harvested in Indonesia. Ethically wild harvested when not certified organic. Processed by a Certified organic processor through Oregon Tilth which is fully accredited with the USDA National Organic Program. This is pure, natural Dragon’s Blood resin, free of any synthetic additives. This product has been lab tested for it’s purity.

What is Wild Harvested?

Our first choice is always certified organic, and if organic is not available we will choose a wildharvested or “cultivated without chemicals” variety. If wild gathered material is harvested then each gatherer must fill out a “wild take audit” to ensure that indigenous populations have only undergone a 10% take and that they have not been over-picked, or disrespected. All materials from overseas are scrutinized for soil, water, and fertilizer quality and we request that materials are grown in regions or provinces that have a stellar reputation for their cleanliness and environmental purity.

History of Dragon’s Blood Resin

Dracaena Draco is a giant tree of the East Indies and Canary Islands, and shares with the baobab tree the distinction of being the oldest living representative of the vegetable kingdom, being much reverenced by the Guanches of the Canaries, who use its product for embalming in the fashion of the Egyptians. The long, slender stems of the genus are flexible, and the older trees develop climbing propensities. The leaves have prickly stalks which often grow into long tails and the bark is provided with many hundreds of flattened spines. The berries are about the size of a cherry, and pointed. When ripe they are covered with a reddish, resinous substance which is separated in several ways, the most satisfactory being by steaming, or by shaking or rubbing in coarse, canvas bags. An inferior kind is obtained by boiling the fruits to obtain a decoction after they have undergone the second process. The product may come to market in beads, joined as if forming a necklace, and covered with leaves (Tear Dragon’s Blood), or in small, round sticks about 18 inches long, packed in leaves and strips of cane. Other varieties are found in irregular lumps, or in a reddish powder. They are known as lump, stick, reed, tear, or saucer Dragon’s Blood.

Dragon`s Blood Resin is used for increased power, purification, protection, consecration, and the development of strong ritual energy.

Uses: It is used as a colouring matter for varnishes, tooth-pastes, tinctures, plasters, for dyeing horn to imitate tortoiseshell, etc. It is very brittle, and breaks with an irregular, resinous fracture, is bright red and glossy inside, and darker red sometimes powdered with crimson, externally. Small, thin pieces are transparent.

MOROCCAN ROSE Resin Incense mixed with Natural Essential Oils

Form: Resin pieces with some powder

The radiance and grace of the sweet floral fragrance of Moroccan Rose inspires poets, lovers and friends. This special resin is more expensive then most others but well worth it. Sprinkle just a pinch on burning charcoal to unleash its exotic, deep fragrance.

CELTIC BLEND Resin Incense mixed with Natural Essential Oils

Form: small resin pieces

Celtic Blend is a blend of multi-colored frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, & lavender. Used in sacred, protection, and purifying rituals.

FOREST BLEND Resin Incense mixed with Natural Essential Oils

Form: resin pieces

Forest Blend Aromatic Resin is the closest scent to the earth! This earthy resin has a light, sweet pine aroma with woodsy and earthy undertones that brings back memories of cool nights in the woods. Forest Blend is infused with natural oils and a variety of earthy resins to give it it’s natural piney woodsy aroma.

EGYPTIAN GARDENIA Resin Incense mixed with Natural Essential Oils

Form: resin pieces with some powder

The golden nuggets of this unique resin incense contain the sweet and delicate scent of Gardenia. Timeless and heavenly, this Egyptian Gardenia resin is a special blend of frankincense and exotic floral oils. This special resin is more expensive then most others but well worth it.

GLORIA Resin Incense mixed with Natural Essential Oils

Form: resin pieces

A traditional blend of Frankincense, Dark Copal and other resins and oils that creates a deep, orthodox style church incense. The smoke from this incense is graced with a hint of floral sweetness. Perfect for religious ceremonies, contemplation or just to create pleasant, relaxing atmospheres.

THREE CROWNS Resin Incense mixed with Natural Essential Oils

Form: small resin pieces

Three Crowns incense resin is a blend of Frankincense, Myrrh, Red and Black Benzoin. It is used for protection, spirituality and prosperity.

NILE TEMPLE Resin Incense mixed with Natural Essential Oils

Form: resin pieces with some powder

An exceptional blend of traditional resins and aromatic oils with a light and sweet floral blend.

Certified organic processor through Oregon Tilth which is fully accredited with the USDA National Organic Program.

Guggul Gum is also known as- Commiphora mukul, Guggulipid, Indian Bedellium, and Guggulow.

Guggul, the commiphora mukul, is a small thorny tree that is native to the Middle East and the Indian plains. Generally leafless, the tree exudes a thick, sticky resin that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat arthritis, acne, inflammation, obesity and ‘blood fat’. Guggul, whose Sanskrit name means “one that protects against diseases”, has written historical information about it going back to 1000 B.C.E. It was used at that time for “clearing the coating and obstruction of channels”. It was also used for healing bone fractures, inflammation, arthritis, cardiovascular conditions, obesity and lipid disorders. Research published in 1966 in India done on guggul gum concluded that it had positive effects on disorders involving lipid metabolism and had an intrinsic ability to help lower serum cholesterol. As of 1988 it has been available on the market in India as a hypolipidemic agent. Guggulipids and guggulsterones derived from the resinous gum are the most widely used medications for treating high cholesterol in India, where most research has been done on guggul. The gum exuded by the guggul tree is similar to myrrh, and has been used traditionally in the same ways as myrrh.

A perennial, with a thick, fleshy root, yellowish in color. It has a branching stem growing about 1 to 3 feet high, thick and rough near the base. The oleo resin is procured by cutting into the stem at the base. The juice that exudes, when sun-dried, forms the Opoponax of commerce. Color, reddish-yellow, with whitish specks on the outside, paler inside. Odor, peculiar, strongly unpleasant. Taste, acrid and bitter. It is inflammable, burning brightly.

Ethically wild harvested when not certified organic. Processed by a Certified organic processor through Oregon Tilth which is fully accredited with the USDA National Organic Program.

What is Wild Harvested?

Our first choice is always certified organic, and if organic is not available we will choose a wildharvested or “cultivated without chemicals” variety. If wild gathered material is harvested then each gatherer must fill out a “wild take audit” to ensure that indigenous populations have only undergone a 10% take and that they have not been over-picked, or disrespected. All materials from overseas are scrutinized for soil, water, and fertilizer quality and we request that materials are grown in regions or provinces that have a stellar reputation for their cleanliness and environmental purity.

Basilica Resin blend mixed with Aromatic Oils

A very traditional resin blend based upon an ancient biblical recipe. Premium quality frankincense is blended with two other resins and fine aromatic oils to produce an outstanding orthodox incense with a distinctive citrus note. A fragrance that is deep, bright and filled with an aura that invokes profound contemplation and solemn moods of prayer and peace.

Melleray Blend Resin blend mixed with Aromatic Oils

A traditional resin blend of 5 or 6 ingredients according to each formula requirement. The incense texture is a combination of larger and smaller beads of frankincense, a measure of powdered material and bits of aromatic elements. This insures that the incense begins burning at once, when placed upon the live coals of charcoal, and continues to send its mild fragrant smoke for an extended period without melting into gum, which smothers the fire in the censor.

Heavenly Devotion Resin blend mixed with Essential Oils

Premium quality frankincense is blended with other resins and fine aromatic oils to produce an outstanding orthodox incense. A fragrance that is deep, bright and filled with an aura that invokes profound contemplation and solemn moods of prayer and peace.

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Fun ways to preserve herbs and make iced drinks even more enjoyable during these hot summer months. I added herbs of peppermint, spearmint, herb robert blossoms, jasmine flowers/pearls/leaves, orange and lemon rind.

The process extremely easy~harvest all the herbs you love, rinse for any insects, dirt etc, place individual flowers, leaves roots in your deep-set ice-cube tray cover with spring water and freeze. Herbs can be safely preserved this way as well.

Mock Orange

There’s no limit of possibilities in making herbal ice cubes making jasmine and whole leaf green tea excellent additions but not limited too.

Honey’s ability to absorb and retain moisture make it an ideal ingredient in a lot of cosmetics as it helps keep skin hydrated and fresh and prevents drying.

I was too excited to wait! While designing another website (equally excited) I just had to stop and share these amazing photo’s of the honey comb-honey I’m creating with. I’ll be posting more photo’s and recipes but in the mean time I’ll share a little liquid sunshine your way.

Herbal Body Butter made with all natural ingredients

Honey topical healing benefits

I’ve been using bee’s wax, honey comb, honey in all my toiletries for the last three years. I’m so happy with all the benefits it brings to natural cosmetics adding natural honey virtually adds antimicrobial properties benefiting not only the skin but the actual longevity/shelf life of anything you add it to.

I’ll be adding more to this as time goes on I just wanted to share a little liquid sunshine today ☼ ♥

One of my first creations from this beautiful Honey/honey comb was a herbal body butter.

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White Yarrrow, Achillea Millefoliumfor a large flat-topped clusters of small white flower heads, a member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae) which is native to Europe and has naturalized throughout the United States.

The name is derived from the Greek hieros which means sacred and was found preserved in temples.

Yarrow also has a long association with magic used as a charm against negetive energies, awaken visions and found in ancient Chinese Oracle, the l Ching.

The healing powers of yarrow were said to have been discovered by the Greek warrior Achilles.

I recently purchased White Yarrrow, Achillea Millefoliumfor a seed give away on my facebook page. In light of the event I thought I would write a little and share some interesting excerpts and add an insect repelling balm recipes.

Yarrow (Achellia millefolium) This lovely perennial weed is grown in many herb gardens for it has a multitude of uses. Cut the flowering tops (use only white-flowering yarrow) and use your alcohol to make a strongly scented tincture that you can take internally to prevent colds and the flu. (A dose is 10-20 drops, or up to 1 ml). I carry a little spray bottle of yarrow tincture with me when I’m outside and wet my skin every hour or so. A United States Army study showed yarrow tincture to be more effective than DEET at repelling ticks, mosquitoes, and sand flies. You can also make a healing ointment with yarrow flower tops and your oil or fat. Yarrow oil is antibacterial, pain-relieving, and incredibly helpful in healing all types of wounds. Excerpt from the wonderful herbalist Susun Weed

Yarrow has insecticidal properties and harvesting its benefits as a natural insecticide are very simple and quick. Often available for harvest and excellent for hiking camping trips where unexpected insects may be awaiting your arrival.

Simple and quick insect repellent using Yarrow~ Make a yarrow tea infusion with fresh or dried, cool to room temperature, place in clean spray bottle for use, top off with (geranium, rose geranium essential oil, lemon and citronella essential oil for mosquito’s), ( Sand Fleas/Ticks lavender, basil, lemon, eucalyptus) This is not something that will store but can be made easily with or with out essential oils. You never know when you might be in the forest and need some help, little Yarrow behind the ear.

Little more complicated only in time and patience. Lovely yarrow pine balm is worth the effort and will have a very long shelf life. 1/4 cup yarrow oil infusion done a week or two in advance, harvest some resin from a pine or cedar tree, very slow heat infusion with a heat-resistant oil such as grapeseed oil. After the resin is dissolved combine both oils ready to be made into a lovely healing balm/salve. There’s really no mistakes here too thick add oil.. too thin add bee’s wax or dissolved resin.

It is a good ingredient for tea's dream pillows incense

Yarrow wash for Oily skin. Naturally astringent it makes a beautiful None toxic facial wash. Simply infuse some fresh or dried herbs in a cup of water allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes or even over night left sitting at the bathroom sink it makes for easy use in the morning.

The Western Herb is not your average herb ruled by venus the planet of love. Folklore tradition says a girl who places a stalk of Yarrow under her pillow and repeats this verse will dream of her future husband.

Thou pretty herb of Venus’ tree, Thy true name it is Yarrow; Now who my bosomfriend must be, Pray tell thou me to-morrow. Halliwells Popular Rhymes.

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Homemade Lemon Dishwasher Soap

I’ve been making soaps for a few years and still have not come across a recipe for dishwashers that would not leave a white residue on the dishes. I found this one and decided to share.. included link for added benefit/promotion!

Not sure what I’m going to post for the Raising Homemakers post that I’m scheduled for on Saturday, but I’ll come up with something.
So…since recipes have been lacking I thought I’d share one that I picked up over at Homestead Revival. I tweaked it a bit.

Homemade Lemon Dishwasher Soap
1/2 cup Borax 1/2 cup baking soda 3 packets lemon aid
Mix together and keep in an airtight container. Use 1 1/2 tsp. of it for each compartment. Really it works! I use vinegar as my rinse agent so the whole process is even cheaper! Yes there are a few spots here and there, but I’m not Ms. Stewart, so a few spots don’t ruin my day. *wink* The lemon aid is in there as the citric acid that helps rinse the Borax off the dishes. Not sure why but it works. You can read more about it over at Amy’s site HERE. (The recipe I use is for soft water. You can add kosher salt for hard water. Excerpt from Old House Kitchen

Like us on Facebook and your entered free seeds and soaps promotion on 04/01/2012

Spring has officailly began and I couldnt think of a better way to introduce my company Vickaryous Naturals then by giving beautiful Herbal Seeds. Listed Below and in the video

List of just some of the more unique herbal seeds we will be giving away . I’ve collected some amazing medicinal seeds for this and also giving away soaps sharing recipes. I just want to make it fun, spread some love and introduce you to Vickaryous Naturals my company 100% Natural, Organic, Wild Harvested.

I just wanted to add the seed give away ended but if you find me on facebook I still have some seeds available. I ask that you mail me a self addressed stamped envelope and I’ll send you some of what I have left.

Coconut Milk also known as santam in Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia, and gata in Philippines has grown to be my new love.

I started using Coconut milk around 4 months ago as a replacement for milk and I couldn’t be happier. In adding coconut milk I’ve removed unnecessary toxins BGH made by monsanto/steroids/antibiotics and a multitude less desirables that I’m just not going to go into.

I drink coconut milk with everything and recently added it to my smoothies, so delicious and extremely nutritious.

Super Simple Blue Berry Coconut Milk Smoothie

Blue berries According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), blueberries are near the top when it comes to antioxidant activity per serving (ORAC values). Their capacity, antioxidant activity is impressive.

Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals — unstable molecules linked to the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease and other age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s. Substances in blueberries called polyphenols, specifically the anthocyanins that give the fruit its blue hue, are the major contributors to antioxidant activity.

That being said I use 1/2 pint of blue berries, 1/2 cup to 1 cup of coconut milk, some distilled water for desired consistency. I like mine a little on the thicker side so I use less water. Also if your blue berries are a little tart you could add a little organic honey, not too much without testing the coconut milk is rather sweet.

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Using coconut milk and lime hair relaxer recipes is said to be a natural way of relaxing your hair. Creating relaxer recipes with coconut milk and lime is interesting. Many black women want to straighten their hair at one point or another in their lives. Sometimes it is the grass is greener syndrome – you just want to know what it would be like to have straight hair for once. However, a lot of women are turning to hair relaxers as a way to take some of the kinky out of their hair and make it just a little wavier and a little bit softer. If this sounds like you, there might be an alternate to chemicals to make your hair softer. Maybe you should think about natural ways to relax your hair. One of the ways is possibly by harnessing the power of nature through coconut milk and lime relaxer recipes.

Coconut and Lime hair Treatment

This method of hair relaxing has actually been used by women throughout Asia for centuries. It is all natural and should leave your hair softer and silkier than before. There are two basic methods that you can try; one is a little easier but the other produces less waste and may have better results. For the first method all you have to do is mix the juice of a lime with about half a cup of coconut milk. Let the solution sit for a few hours until a foam forms on top of the bowl. Scoop off that foam and apply it to your hair. Leave it sit for a few hours and then wash your hair. The problem with this method is you end up wasting a lot of milk and lime. Also, the mixture you do apply to your head can break down, run off your hair, and not be as effective.

Aloe. One study showed that using a 0.5 percent aloe cream three times per day accelerates healing of the sores by 1 week for some people. You can buy the cream, or you can buy a $4 aloe plant, which has the added benefit of looking pretty in your kitchen (and being super-easy to maintain).

Just break off a small piece of leaf, and rub a bit of its gooey gel on your lip. Usually, the more often you apply it, the better, but I would recommend at least three times per day. Like most topical treatments, it’s best to start as soon as you feel a cold sore coming on.

Zinc-oxide ointment. In one study, people using a 0.3 percent zinc-oxide cream within the first day of developing a lesion healed more quickly. Zinc-oxide creams are more commonly used for babies with diaper rash, but those creams have a much higher concentration of zinc — around 40 percent. In practice, some people have told me that a small amount of the high-concentration cream on the sore works just as well. Just make sure not to get it in your mouth or swallow it, which applies to any topical treatment. It can also look a bit funny if you are going to work, since it is white.

Other, more sophisticated, options include:

Lemon-balm ointment. A 1 percent lemon-balm ointment was found in one study to decrease symptoms and heal lesions.

Super Lysine Plus. This combination of zinc oxide, lysine and many other ingredients helped speed up healing in one study, when applied every two hours.

Sage and rhubarb cream. This mixture eased pain and symptoms in one study.

Dr. Astrid Pujari is a Seattle M.D. with an additional degree as a medical herbalist; she practices at the Pujari Center and teaches as part of the residency programs at Virginia Mason and Swedish/Cherry Hill hospitals.